NLTA Vice-President

Dedicated to my grandfather, Baxter Langdon; small in stature but walked tall with integrity...

Friday, 17 June 2016

A Virtuous Response to a Senseless Crime...

In "our darkest hour", to
act with selflessness and a ‘belief in the greater good’ is the true demonstration
of power.

During a week filled
with global acts of terror and hate, we lose another one of our own - Robert
Hall (taken and killed as a hostage in the Phillipines). This tragedy can be
viewed through different painful lenses...that of the horrific experience of
being the hostage or being the family member who waits in silence hoping that
by some ‘grace of god’ the captors have a change of heart...both of which bring
great pain and suffering.

When hearing of Mr.
Hall’s tragic passing, I was struck with sadness for this gentleman, great
sympathy for the family, and deep anger for the absurdity and asinine nature of
this event. It wasn’t until I read a statement from Mr. Hall’s family that I
was able to somewhat process and appreciate the impact that this man and his
family have had on our country, and our efforts in the war against terror.

“Our family, even in
our darkest hour, agrees wholeheartedly with Canada’s policy of not paying
ransom,” the Hall family said in the statement. “We stand with the ideals that
built this country; strength of character, resilience of spirit, and refusal to
succumb to the demands of the wretched.”(The Canadian Press)

In his book ‘Leadership’,
General Rick Hillier describes the challenge of building morale within the
Canadian Forces and how each member and family’s selfless contribution to ‘the
cause’ has resulted in a heightened respect for the Canadian Forces and its
impact worldwide.

It is in the same light
that I view the actions of Mr. Hall’s family...truly virtuous (and Canadian) indeed.

* Past President of School Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

* 'Virtues Project' Facilitator (2016)

Look at Me

A poem through the many eyes of my students (of varying capabilities)...

-------

'Look at me'

Look at me...

I know you see me.

I know you are thinking about me.

You were here just a few minutes ago.

But I need you now.

I need you more.

But I know he needs you too.

And she needs you more than me.

But I am still here...be sure not to forget me.

Mom keeps telling me you are doing your best.

But, I need you more.

Only if...

Only if...there were less of us.

And more of you to go around.

I know I would see you more.

You would be happier...

I would be happier.

Imagine what WE could achieve...

Only if...

Trent Langdon

Professionally speaking...

* First and foremost, I am a junior high school counsellor for 600+ adolescents. I am dedicated to advocacy and service for children, teens, their families, and communities.

* I work on behalf of my colleagues to build identity, protect professional roles, and to give teachers ‘a voice’. I am currently Vice-President of the Newfoundland & Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA); serving for the last four years on the NLTA's Provincial Executive.

* I am also a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

* And last but certainly not least, I am a proud contributor to the Epic Engage team (www.epicengage.com), wholeheartedly believing in the promotion of character-based leadership and virtues-based living (for everyone).

LGBTQ+ Ally

Hometown - Norris Arm South

Currently living in Mount Pearl; born and raised in beautiful Norris Arm South (Notre Dame Bay)

Retirement

Congrats to a longtime colleague and friend (Gerard Walsh) on his retirement after 36 years of service. VP Dean Ingram presenting Gerard with his NLTA Certificate.